How to not lose focus?

Well, I am back, after having gained 10 lbs over my starting weight when I signed up for this. I know my problem - I lose around 10 lbs, maybe 15, feel that I am looking pretty good, take my eye off the prize for several months, then gain every pound back and then some. It is a pattern, and right now, I am at my heaviest, although I have been at this "heaviest" weight many times before. It is just that, at this point, 160#, I buckle down and lose again.

Why can't I overcome this? I know that my issue is probably common, and I know that there are lots of ladies who have overcome this, because lots of ladies on here lose, get to goal, and do not lose focus. So, was wondering if you guys have any advice - how do I keep from losing focus once I lose about 15 lbs. Because I really, really want to get to 130, but fear that this will not happen unless I overcome my mental blocks.

My first thought was stop using weight as a goal. Instead, try making mini-goal challenges that focus on the actual FOOD PLAN and EXERCISE as the goal.

Old goal: Lose 10 pounds.
New goals: Work out 3 days this week. (Re-occurring goal!)
Stay on plan for 7 days with food.

Reward yourself for the ACTIONS not the reactions (weight loss). That new dress you want... you buy it not "when you've lost the weight", but rather when you've kept to your changes for 6 months. Things of that nature.

You're not alone here. I struggle with the same issue. Once I hit a certain number, I go nuts making sure I stay below it... then I don't stress too much about floating up to it. One thing that has really helped me is to know that while our body can create new fat cells, it cannot lose them once they are created- only shrink them. I don't want to create new fat cells! I also am lucky enough not to have loose skin from losing weight- I worry that if I continue to yo-yo, that could happen for me.

Consider having a weekly or bi-weekly weigh-in day, even when you've lost 15 or 20 pounds. Not daily, so you're not stressing about it and so you feel like you can live your life without worrying about numbers, but often enough so that if you find yourself creeping up, you can take action before it goes to far. I'd add to that selecting a red line number: a number which, when you hit it, reverts you into focusing on your food choices. Maybe when you hit it you start journaling your food again until you've gone down to where you're comfortable. But just like you need to check the lint tray in the dryer every few loads of laundry so as to prevent a fire and keep your clothes lint free, you can check your weight every so often to keep yourself on track. (sorry if that's a bad analogy -- it's laundry day for me)

I think every one loses focus from time to time. I think the trick is to learn how to quickly re-gain focus. I think Lovely hit the nail on the head with suggesting a focus that isn't number-on-the-scale related. I have been trying to focus on my exercise. It has been a few days since I last exercised and I am twitching to get home and get a run in this evening. With the way I ate this weekend - the scale probably went up a bit, but I am just going to focus on exercise and cooking a healthful dinner tonight. Tonight's menu: chicken boobies, organic spanic and some sort of noodly-side dish for hubs.

I find focusing on the number on the scale to be too... demotivational? It is easier to control what I do than that darn number.

__________________

"I'd rather waltz than just walk through the forrest"

Little Goals:
- Sprint Triathlon: 9/11/2011
- Half Marathon: 9/18/2011
- Weigh under 210: GOAL!!! As of 7/16/2010
- Next goal: Get BACK to under 210

Hi There,
I am the queen of losing focus! I know exactly what you mean. I started a diet in Feb.2011 to lose weight for my sons wedding May 7th of this year. My goal was 32lbs. I lost 20 and was feeling pretty good about my accomplishments. But! After the wedding, I just stopped traying. I have gained back 3lbs. I just can't seem to get back on track. What is wrong with me? Why do I punish myself and turn to food for comfort. We all know why, how do we stop?

Hi. I'm in the same place at the momment...about 2 months ago I got to my sticking point..and am struggling. Always happens at the same weight, and it's starting to creep up again, I've still got a lot to lose and am feeling so frustrated....Someone actually thought they were trying to chat me up a couple of nights ago by saying 'I like fat women'...felt worse than ever after that.

lol...I needed a good smile @ the cheesy pickup line.
Seriously tho..the struggling bit is getting to me...I will have to restock my house with good foods....maybe lower quality better quality foods will satiate my cravings

Scottiechick, I hardly consider you "fat"at your height and weight.Probably because you and I are almost exactly the same size! That guy who used that lame line on you was a jerk. It would have been fun to respond with "I'm glad you like fat girls.Now go find yourself one!"
I have to say it's comforting to see how many people get off track now and then. I like the idea of NOT using the scale numbers as a goal. Today is a new day!